BlueFloat Energy and Energy Estate have revealed they are co-developing a 1155MW offshore wind project off the coasts of South Australia and Victoria.
The Southern Winds offshore wind project will use bottom-fixed technology and will be located 10-30 km from shore.
The site falls within the Portland West Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) announced by the Victorian Government.
The site was chosen due to factors that include a “world class” wind resource, skilled local workforce combined with social and political support for the industry, access to a deep-water port facilities and “excellent infrastructure” in the proximity of the project and robust local demand for energy.
“Australia’s change in Government in May this year has shifted the narrative on climate change and the role of renewables in decarbonising the country´s economy.
“The new Prime Minister has promised to turn Australia into a renewable energy superpower and is viewed as being outward-looking and ambitious about Australia’s Net Zero emissions target.
“We are excited about the role of offshore wind in this journey” said Nick Sankey, country manager for BlueFloat Energy.
Simon Currie, co-founder and chief projects officer at Energy Estate, added: “Southern Winds is an exciting addition to our portfolio of offshore wind projects in Australia.
“This region has world class wind resources and a history of successful industrial and renewable energy developments.
“Our vision includes enabling globally competitive clean forest products and a sustainable fuels hub which stretches from Mt Gambier to Portland.”
The announcement of Southern Winds comes shortly after recent announcements by BlueFloat Energy of a 5GW portfolio in Columbia, 1GW in Taiwan and a 50MW project in the Port of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.